Saturday, September 11, 2010

Saturday Blessings

September 11. A day that is filled with so many emotions. A catastrophic event I remember vividly, as though it were yesterday.

I've contemplated how I'll explain 9-11 to my son. What to tell him as he grows older each year. For now we read books that celebrate diversity. We tell stories about how we have more in common in this world with other people than we don't. We light a candle and say a special prayer for everyone that needs extra hope, guidance, and peace on this day. And we love fiercely.

Today, as we were all sitting quietly on the couch reading books, surfing the web, cuddling, the doorbell rang. It was our mail lady with a package from my friend Lynne.

Lynne and I went to grade school and high school together. After we graduated we lost touch. It wasn't until I discovered the miracle that is Facebook that we reconnected last year. It turns out Lynne lives a mere 1.5 hours a way with her beautiful family. She's an amazing, sincere, kind and loving woman. Earlier this year I posted a link on Facebook to a gorgeous quilt I saw on Etsy that I was coveting. Badly. I jokingly asked if anyone on Facebook wanted to make it for me. Lynne replied in all seriousness that she did. Lynne, a wonderful friend whom I had not seen in years. Years.

And today, on 9-11, as I sat contemplating how much so many people had lost I was reminded about goodness. Random acts of kindness. Generosity. The spirit of giving. This beautiful quilt will be treasured always. Through cuddles, and hugs, and tears and laughter. As I sit with my small family under this gorgeous quilt I'm reminded how much I have to be thankful for. How much good, joy, and love there is in the world.

We can choose what we want to model to our children and to others through our actions, our deeds, our words and thoughts. I hope Lynne knows how much this gesture of time, creativity and kindness means to me. I hope I can pass on her generosity and kindness to others. I hope by modeling these things I can raise my son in the same spirit of love and joy that she clearly exhibits. I believe that if we focused more on good, on love, on laughter, on our commonalities rather than our differences the world would be a better place. I believe it starts with each of us. At home. In our hearts.

What a beautiful post...and a beautiful quilt! Your friend is very generous. :) I choose to remember those who lost their lives in my heart, but it's my brother's birthday and in honor of him we celebrate life today as well. I couldn't agree more that we need to model the generosity and kindness that we want to see in our children.

I am:

a lover of literature, music, good dark chocolate, fruit smoothies, finger painting, beach camping, small furry animals, butterflies, gardening, nature, rays of sun bursting through on a cloudy day and uninterrupted sleep. Blessed mama to an adorable 5 year old and wife to Super Hubby. Trying to live simply and with greater appreciation for each day.